Bhutan and Sikkim Trek - Black Diamond Expedition
  • Tiger Nest Monastery
  • Phunakha - Bhutan
  • Gangtok City

Bhutan and Sikkim Trek

(3 Reviews)
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From$5,890
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  • Duration
    Duration:20 Days
  • Accomodation
    Accommodation: 12 Nights (Standard Hotel)
    7 Nights (Camp)
  • Meals
    Meals :19 Breakfast, 18 Lunches
    18 Dinner
  • Location
    Service: Airport to Airport
  • Trip Grade
    Trip Grade :Difficult
  • Max Altitude
    Max Altitude:

Overview

Bhutan and Sikkim trek offers an exhilarating itinerary for you to make your trek to Sikkim, India a gramd and memorable trek along with a journey to the kingdom of Bhutan. Our introductory trek follows trails through magnificent rhododendron forest (in full bloom in May) to verdant yak grazing pastures where we camp beneath the magnificent backdrop of Kanchenjunga. In between we visit the renowned hill station of Darjeeling, the thriving capital of Gangtok and the legendary town of Kalimpong. Travelling to Bhutan we have opportunities for day walks to visit the ancient dzongs (forts) and Buddhist monasteries in the Paro and Thimphu valleys to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom.

Highlights

  • Panoramic views of the famous tea estates
  • Speactacular and uninterrupted glimpses of snow capped mountains like Kanchenjunga (8586m) and Kabru North (7338m)
  • Explorations of Secretariate building and handicraft emporium in Bhutan
  • Visit to Paro Dzong, National museum of Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery and unique flora and fauna

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

You will be met by a Black Diamond Expeditions representative on arrival and transferred to the Radisson hotel.Evening drinks are held in the hotel for all World Expeditions clients arriving today. Drinks and snacks will generally be served from 6:30 pm until 7:15 pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner.

Dinner

Day 2Fly Bhadrapur, Drive to Darjeeling

Early transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bhadrapur. On arrival we will meet our Indian guide and then transfer to our chartered bus for the drive to Darjeeling. As the road climbs up to Darjeeling we gain impressive views back down to the Indian plains. On arrival in Darjeeling we savour the cool mountain air and our first glimpse of the snow capped Himalaya. This evening a pre-trek briefing will be given where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3In Darjeeling

Darjeeling is set on the top of a wooded ridge commanding views both to the plains and to the high mountains including Kanchenjunga. During the day we will organise sightseeing to the Tibetan Refugee Centre and also to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. We also visit one of the famous tea estates that were established in the middle of last century. Later we explore the local bazaars and appreciate the rich variety of people including Sherpas, Tibetans and Bengalis who have made Darjeeling their home. A visit to the Tea Planters’ Club is also recommended, for it was here that the British inter-war expeditions stayed before assembling their Sherpa crews that would accompany them on the long march through Sikkim and across Tibet to the base of Everest.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4Drive to Yuksam

Leaving Darjeeling we drive to the border of southern Sikkim and the delightful drive through the foothills to the former capital of Yuksam (1760m).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5Trek to Bakhim

From Yuksam we engage either porters or yak herder’s to carry our loads on the trail. This can take several hours so for the first day a packed lunch may be the order of the day. We follow a well marked forest trail that winds high above the Rathong river. The trail winds through forests of conifer and oaks, mosses and ferns and past frequent side streams that tumble down the hillside. On route there are plenty of opportunities for bathing although you must remember to pack you’re insect repellent as midges are a problem on this section, particularly during the pre monsoon walk. After four to five hours the trail crosses a substantial bridge just upstream of the confluence of the Rathong River and the Prek River. From the bridge it is a further one hour ascent to the small settlement of Bakhim (2750m), where a single Lepcha family live. The Lepchas, the original inhabitants of Sikkim were forced to move to the remote regions when large numbers of Tibetans migrated to Sikkim in the 17th century. Although there is a Rest House in Bakhim, we normally camp in the forest immediately below the village.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6Bakhim to Pethang Camp

From Bakhim we ascend the meadows above Bakhim before reaching the village of Tsoska. Tibetan refugees who were granted this tract of land by the Sikkim government founded the village about a generation ago. From Tsoska the trail ascends steeply through magnificent rhododendron forest to the grazing meadow at Pethang (3700m). A short stage but necessary for acclimatisation before continuing to Dzongri.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7Pethang to Dzongri

From Pethang an early start is imperative. The trail ascends steeply for one hour before we gain our first uninterrupted views of the peak of Kangchenjunga (8586m) and Pandim (6691m). From the vantage point it is a further two to three km across the open meadows to the camp at Dzongri (4020m). Here we gain views of the main peaks along the Singali Ridge- the impressive divide between Nepal and Sikkim. The panorama includes Kokthang (6147m), Rathong (6679m), Kabru Sth. (7317m) and Kabru Nth (7338m).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8At Dzongri

In the early morning we climb the nearby Dzongri hill for sunrise views over Kangchenjunga. Returning to camp we trek for 1-1/2 to two hours to the Dzongri La (4550m) with views towards Kokthang, Rathong and Kabru. A more strenuous option is to descend on down to the Rathong Valley and from there complete a circular trek on back to Dzongri. This option takes a further four to five hours back to camp.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9Dzongri to Thansing

From Dzongri the trek heads towards Pandim and the Prek valley. After crossing the meadows the trail descends steeply though the rhododendron forests to the Prek river, before a short tiring ascent up through the river boulders to the wooden bridge. From here it is a further one hour up valley to the camp at Thansing (3930m). We can undertake the option to trek further up the valley including the glacial Samite Lake where we gain views up the Onglakthang glacier to Forked Peak (6108m) and to Goecha Peak (6127m) below the towering East Ridge of Kangchenjunga.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10Thansing to Tsoka Village

From Thansing we trek back to the Prek River and then divert along a remote trail that leads direct to Pethang meadow. En route we can spend time appreciating the variety of rhododendrons – one of the finest rhododendron forests in the Eastern Himalaya. From Pethang we can continue on down to Tsoska village (3050 m) for overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11Tsoska to Yuksam

Our final days trek is an easy one as we descend past Bakhim en route to Yuksam. Here we camp overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12Drive to Gangtok

The drive is spectacular across the Sikkim foothills until reaching the confluence of the Ranjit and Testa rivers and the town of Singtam. From here the road diverts up-valley to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Overnight hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13In Gangtok

Gangtok has been the capital of Sikkim since the 19th century. On a clear day it affords excellent views up the Zemu Valley to Kangchenjunga. We have scheduled visits to the Cottage Industries Emporium with its fine array of traditional crafts including hand woven carpets, shawls and hand carved furniture. We also visit the Tibetan Institute where many valuable manuscripts are stored after they were brought to Sikkim in 1959.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14Drive to Gangtok

En route we visit Rumtek Monastery, 24 km from Gangtok. The Monastery is affiliated with one of the important Tibetan Buddhist sects – the Kargya pa sect. When the leader of this sect escaped from Tibet in 1959 he was invited to settle in Sikkim. With an influx of funds the monastery was restored to its traditional Tibetan architectural lines in the 1960’s – the original monastery having being destroyed by an earthquake. From Rumtek the drive to Kalimpong takes a further four hours, with time that afternoon to visit the bazaar and appreciate the time when the town was an important trading post between India and Tibet.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15Drive to Phuentsholing

We drive back down to the Indian Plains and the Indian-Bhutan border. After clearing Indian immigration and customs we drive to an impressive archway that marks the formal entry to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Here your Indian guide will no longer accompany you, and you will be met by our Bhutan guide who will transfer you to the nearby hotel in Phuentsholing for your briefing and overnight stay.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16Drive to Thimpu

The drive to Thimphu winds up from the Indian plains to the Thimphu Valley. On arrival in Thimphu we transfer to our hotel for overnight accommodation.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17In Thimpu

Thimphu has been the capital since 1960 (the previous being Punakha). The town is by no means large and easily explored on foot. The main Secretariat building, the Tashichho Dzong is the most prominent building consisting of the main Secretariat, the National Assembly Hall, the Office of the King and the Throne Room. It’s remarkable construction is in traditional Bhutanese style without the use of nails or metal of any kind. We also visit the large Stupa dedicated to the late King HM. Jimge Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the founder of modern day Bhutan. Then there is the Handicraft Emporium with famous weaving, woodcarvings and paintings while the Post Office sells Bhutan’s world renowned stamps.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18Drive to Paro

Our sightseeing program in Paro includes visits to the Paro Dzong and the even older Ta Dzong that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. While we are not permitted inside the monastery at the Dzong we can take a look around inside this impressive building which is the monastic and administrative centre for South-West Bhutan. Ta Dzong is the original fort and has been carefully transformed into a museum with excellent displays of all facets of Bhutan’s rich cultural history. Old costumes and battle dress, together with priceless jewellery and specimens of the kingdoms unique flora and fauna are included within the museum.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19In Paro

We drive to the foot of the Taktsang Monastery – the famous Tigers Nest Monastery said to have been one of the divine resting places of the Guru Ringpoche. However, although much of the building was destroyed by fire a few seasons ago it is still worthwhile to ascend the walking trail to appreciate the monasteries breathtaking location on a cliff edge about 800 metres above the valley floor. The rest of the day is free to complete sightseeing and purchases before our early morning departure the following day.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20Final Departure

Trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.

Breakfast

Included

  • 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 18 dinners
  • Internal flight Kathmandu/Bhadrapur approx US$130
  • Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 20
  • Expert bilingual guide
  • Group medical kit
  • Good quality accommodation in Kathmandu/Darjeeling/Gangtok/Kalimpong/Thimphu/Paro
  • The use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
  • All group camping equipment
  • Private transportation
  • All park entrance fees and trekking permits
  • Porters to carry 20kg of personal equipment
  • Sightseeing and site entry fees as listed
  • Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag

Excluded

  • International flights
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips to guides and drivers
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Travel Insurance
  • visas

Accomodation

During your tour to Bhutan and Sikkim, accommodation will be provided at the standard hotel or a hotel of a similar category. Similarly, in Bhutan, hotels are categorized by the government into grades A, B, and C, where government-approved hotels equate to 3-star standards. Our company ensures bookings in A-rated and B-rated hotels.  Most hotels offer twin-sharing rooms with an attached bathroom and hot shower facilities. Single supplement rooms are available for an additional charge.

Meals

During the Bhutan and Sikkim tour, you will be served three-course meals featuring a variety of cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan, and Continental. The food provided is healthy and hygienic in this tour. There will be both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals available for travelers.

When to Travel?

The best season for the tour to Bhutan and Sikkim is between March and May or October and December. The combination of favorable weather conditions, stunning natural beauty, and cultural experiences makes spring and autumn the preferred times for trekking in Bhutan and Sikkim. Travelers can enjoy the major festivals celebrated in these seasons in Bhutan, they are Thimpu, Tsechu, Black Necked Crane festivals, and Jambay Lhakang. 

3 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Jean Dupont

Group Traveller

My group journey through Sikkim, and Bhutan was an unforgettable adventure packed with breathtaking landscapes and cultural immersion. From the warm welcome at the Radisson hotel in Kathmandu to the final moments at the airport, every day was filled with excitement and discovery. Highlights included exploring Darjeeling’s tea estates, trekking through rhododendron forests, and marveling at the majestic peaks of Kangchenjunga. Our guides provided invaluable insights into the region’s history and culture, enhancing our experience even further. As we bid farewell to this incredible journey, we left with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the Himalayas. Thank you Black Diamond Expedition Team

October 5, 2023

Oliver Wilson

Group Traveller

Going on a group journey with friends through Bhutan and Sikkim was an adventure filled with laughter, camaraderie, and discovery. From our lively gatherings at the Radisson hotel in Kathmandu to exploring the vibrant streets of Thimphu and Gangtok, every moment was shared with dear friends by my side. Trekking through rhododendron forests, witnessing breathtaking mountain views, and immersing ourselves in the rich culture of the region were experiences we’ll cherish forever. Our journey was made even more memorable by the support of our guides and the bonds we formed along the way. On behalf of our group, I’d like to thank Black Diamond Expeditions and their wonderful assistance. We’ll definitely come back to you when we plan our Nepal tour next year.

September 26, 2023

Charlotte Brown

Family Traveller

My journey with Black Diamond Expeditions through Bhutan and Sikkim was a remarkable adventure from start to finish. From the warm welcome in Kathmandu to the breathtaking landscapes of Darjeeling and beyond, every moment was filled with wonder. Highlights included trekking through rhododendron forests, witnessing sunrise over Kangchenjunga, and exploring the Taktsang Monastery in Paro. Most importantly, sharing these experiences with my family, created unforgettable memories. Thanks to Black Diamond Expeditions, this trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

May 10, 2023
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